The correct location of gas sensors
March 2001
Sensors & Transducers
For effective gas detection, each installation needs to be considered in its own right, with reference to safety authorities and in compliance with mandatory local safety regulations. The sensor must be operated in accordance with the installation and operating data to maintain safety, reliability and to preserve intrinsic safety integrity where applicable.
It is important that sensors are located in positions determined in consultation with those who have specialised knowledge of the plant of installation and of the principles of gas dispersion. Reference should also be made to those responsible for the engineering layout and topology of the plant as they will be most familiar with the nature of the potential dangers and the most likely sources of gas release.
It is also important to recognise that the characteristics of the gas source can be influenced by many factors, including the relative density or buoyancy of the gas, the pressure at the point of release, the ambient temperature and the ventilation of the site.
Sensor coverage cannot be simply expressed in terms of 'number per unit area'. Sensors need to be sited where they are capable of monitoring those parts of a plant where gas may accumulate or when a source of gas release is expected to occur. This way the earliest possible warning of a gas release can be given to initiate shutdown functions, alarm functions or safe evacuation of the premises.
A comprehensive range of gas monitoring equipment is available from Trolex.
Trolex SA
(011) 397 6958
[email protected]
www.trolex.com
Further reading:
Distance sensor for confined spaces
ifm - South Africa
Sensors & Transducers
The O6D100 from ifm has been designed as a powerful all-rounder for typical applications in object detection, distance measurement and positioning.
Read more...
Optimise sludge treatment and reduce operational costs
Endress+Hauser South Africa
Sensors & Transducers
Endress+Hauser’s inline measuring devices, the Proline Teqwave MW 300 and the Proline Teqwave MW 500, determine the total solids content of wastewater directly through microwave transmission.
Read more...
Inclination sensors for motion control
ifm - South Africa
Sensors & Transducers Motion Control & Drives
The JBC dynamic inclination sensor from ifm offers accurate angle measurement in the most demanding conditions, filtering out motion disturbances such as vibrations, shocks and vehicle dynamics to deliver reliable inclination values via IO-Link or programmable switch outputs.
Read more...
Fully integrated standalone thunderstorm warning system
Senseca
Sensors & Transducers Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Senseca South Africa has introduced its BTD-1 fully integrated, standalone thunderstorm warning system, which detects lightning by monitoring the background quasi-electrostatic field. The system can generate alerts before the first lightning strike, with a detection raterange of up to 83 km.
Read more...
Technology and education are critical to advancing safety in the mining sector
Sensors & Transducers
As mining operations across Africa continue to evolve in scale, complexity and automation, the role of advanced safety technologies has become increasingly important in protecting people, equipment and productivity.
Read more...
Image processing cameras
Vepac Electronics
Sensors & Transducers
The intelligent camera series from Vepac is an integrated camera module consisting of a camera and high speed processor. It offers a high-performance image sensing function at the edge device by embedding standard image processing software or the customer’s developed software.
Read more...
OMRON launches non-contact safety door switch
Omron Electronics
Sensors & Transducers
OMRON has unveiled its latest innovation in non-contact safety door switches, designed to enhance workplace safety and streamline machinery operations.
Read more...
Conductivity sensing as a cornerstone of South Africa’s water smart industry
ifm - South Africa
Editor's Choice Sensors & Transducers
South Africa’s engineers operate at the intersection of resource constraint and industrial ambition. Few parameters illustrate this balancing act as clearly as water quality. Whether in municipal treatment works, food and beverage plants or mining operations, the ability to measure water quality accurately and continuously has become non-negotiable.
Read more...
Futureproofing pharma, one pixel at a time
Omron Electronics
Sensors & Transducers
In pharmaceutical manufacturing, there’s no room for error. Omron’s FH-AI and FHV7-AI vision systems introduce AI-powered inspection that adapts to real-world variability, something conventional rule-based vision systems cannot easily achieve.
Read more...
Long-range laser distance measuring sensor
Vepac Electronics
Sensors & Transducers
The MS-100A is a long-range laser distance measuring sensor with a range of 150 to 1000 mm. This sensor excels in applications requiring extended measurement capabilities, such as quality control and logistics.
Read more...
printer friendly version